WARNING: This article may contain content disturbing or triggering for readers (re: sexual misconduct & abuse). Please read at your own discretion.

FUJI TV SCANDAL

If you have not heard already, Fuji TV, the channel hosting the current One Piece anime, was recently outed as responsible in a major sexual assault cover up involving network executives. I want to start this post off by saying the TV host involved deserves all the consequences coming to him, and the victims deserve justice against Fuji TV and everyone involved in the cover-up. Seeing more cases of those in power abusing those with less power is sickening, and I object to it completely. I am sorry for the victims, my condolences go out to them and their families.

In lieu of this terrible news, the entire Japanese entertainment industry is being shook up. Fuji TV is losing big name sponsorships like Toyota and Nissan, and shows are running off airing schedules while investigations are being conducted. Other TV networks have even begun internal investigations to make sure none of what occurred at Fuji TV is occurring in their businesses.

As far as One Piece goes, Fuji TV is currently airing a re-edited version of the Fishman Island Arc with improved pacing and updated art & animation. However, this covered up abuse by network executives potentially puts the anime’s expected return in April at risk. Many anime fall under the Fuji TV umbrella, so those shows might be at risk as well.

I have absolutely no qualms with a delayed return or hiatus for the One Piece anime as long as the victims are rightfully protected and receive proper restitution.

ONE PIECE ANIME: EGGHEAD ARC

That being said, whenever the One Piece anime does return, it definitely has some big splashes to make, and that especially goes for the remainder of the Egghead Arc. I think the majority of the fan base is excited for what’s coming as there are a lot of events on the horizon.

Everything thus far in the Egghead Arc anime has been OUTSTANDING. Imu using the Mother Flame, Luffy vs. Lucci, Blackbeard vs. Law, the Seraphims in action, Garp vs. Kuzan. All the animation and key fights have succeeded my expectations, which were already pretty high after the stark increase in quality for the Wano Arc.

But, knowing the manga, there is so much good stuff that still has yet to be adapted. So, here is a list of all the fights and events I am excited to see animated.

****SPOILERS FOR ONE PIECE MANGA AHEAD****

1. Luffy vs. Kizaru

Luffy 1-on-1 with Kizaru is a fight so many One Piece fans have been waiting for since Kizaru embarrassed the entire Straw Hat crew on the Sabaody Archipelago, so of course this is a highly anticipated fight for me. Between Luffy showing of some of his power in base, revealing Gear 5 against Kizaru, and fighting with him on an equal basis, this fight has a lot of hype behind it. I am excited to see what Toei can do, given how well they animated Luffy vs. Lucci. Also, I am hoping they draw some more direct parallels back to Sabaody and the calamity Kizaru brought there versus the strength Luffy has now to protect his crew.

2. Bartholomew Kuma’s Past

I am ready to cry. I AM READY TO CRY. This might be recency bias but Kuma’s past is one of the greatest backstories in One Piece, up there with Robin, Law, and Luffy/Ace/Sabo.

Between the information we received at God Valley, Kuma and Ginny, Kuma and Bonney, and Kuma’s sacrifice, this backstory is one of tragedy and one of hope. I am really excited to see if executed in the anime. The soundtrack is probably going to break my heart, and I am so ready for it.

3. Gorosei Unleashed

Being the first double page spread manga panel since the Son’s cup ceremony with Luffy and the Grand Fleet at Dressrosa, the reveal of the Gorosei’s “forms” (I need to know their devil fruit names!!!) is something that should be incredible in the anime.

Seeing luffy’s small little white bouncing body in the face of these 5 gigantic monstrosities will be a sight to see for sure. I think Toei is going to do something special to show their transformations.

4. Luffy and Giants vs. Gorosei

After the arrival of giants Dorry and Broggy, Luffy gets some backup to face the Gorosei, and of course chaos ensues. I am looking forward to seeing some more Gear 5 action here, seeing some more combined strength from the Giant Pirate captains from Elbaf, and definitely interested in seeing the Gorosei fight, especially Nusjuro and Mars.

Overall, this is one of the first fights between our MC and a few of the endgame villains, there is a lot to expect and even though it’s probably just a taste of the fights to come in the Final Saga, getting the first glance at it at Egghead is going to be one for the books.

5. Vegapunk’s Broadcast

This is for the Lore-Piece community. This is not a fight, and while his message is actually very long, I am very much looking forward to the full message Vegapunk broadcasts around the world. While the Gorosei, scramble to figure out how Vegapunk is broadcasting information to the world, he reveals very illegal information about the Void Century and the Ponegliffs.

Between the world slowly sinking, key information about the Void Century, the Ancient Weapons, Joyboy’s existence and him being the first pirate, a piece of the Mother Flame being stolen, and basically reigniting the Pirate Era, Vegapunk’s message to the world is an insane drop of information for your average citizen on an island who is tuning in. It also leaves the reader with some more information about the Mother Flame, Lulusia, and Joyboy that honestly creates more questions than it does answers. All in all, it should be a treat in the anime for all these reveals.

6. Emeth and the Haki Bomb

Last but certainly not least, Emeth in the Egghead arc is probably one of my most anticipated moments for two major reasons.

One, we get to see Emeth, while being lit of fire, release a portion of stored up Haki from Joyboy HIMSELF. This haki was enough to make all the Gorosei untransform and sends them back to Marijois. WHO WAS JOYBOY??? HOW DID HE LOSE IN THE VOID CENTURY?? This type and scale of haki is unprecedented and even more powerful than Shanks’ Wi-Fi Haki back at Wano. Really excited to see this and see the Gorosei cower.

Second, in the anime, we will hear our first tidbit of Joyboy and his voice actor! While Emeth reflects on his life leading up to the Haki “bomb”, he recalls a conversation with Joyboy about when he should use it, while Joyboy reinforces that he should only use it at “that time”. A voice actor is something small, I know, but given the hype behind Joyboy, I believe it’s still something worth getting excited for.

All in all, the Egghead arc has a ton of exciting moments coming up, and I am really looking forward to it. But for now, I am patiently waiting and enjoying the Fishman Island revamp.

What do you guys think? Shoot me a comment if you think there is another moment you are really excited to see adapted in the anime!